Famous Gargarians

Anna G. Asatryan

Musician

Anna was born on September 1, 1968, in Yerevan to a family from Gargar. She graduated with honors from the RomanosMelikyan Music College in 1987 and from the Yerevan Komitas State Conservatory in 1992. From 1991-2003, she worked at the RomanosMelikyan Music College. From 1997-2001, she studied at the Academy of Arts in the Armenian National Academy of Sciences, and defended her thesis on the “TigranChukhatchyan operas.”

In June of 2003, while working as the secretary of the Academy of Arts of the Armenian National Academy of Science, she was elected as a member of the scientific board. In April of 2005, she was selected as the deputy director – academic secretary – of the Academy of Arts. In 2006, she published “Arshak II,” the first Armenian classical opera.

Rosalia S. Balayan

Chemist

Rosaliawas born in Tbilisi on February 9, 1943, to the Balayan family from the Gargar village. She received her secondary education in Tbilisi, and graduated from the Department of Chemistry of Yerevan State University in 1966. She then proceeded to work for the National Academy of Sciences A. L. Mnjoyan's Institute of Fine Organic Chemistry.

Balayan received a PhD in Chemistry and is the author of 28 published works—of which two have copyrights and four have patents.

Gagik G. Demirkhanyan

Physicist

Gagikwas born on June 28, 1953, in Yerevan, to a family from the GargarDemirkhanyan dynasty. He graduated from the Department of Physics of Yerevan State University; from 1981-85, he studied at the Academy of Physical Sciences Research Institute of the Armenian Soviet Socialist Republic.

Starting in 1990, G.G. Demirkhanyan was an Associate Professor at the Yerevan Kh. Abovyan State Pedagogical University at the Department of Theoretical Physics and a senior researcher at the Laboratory of Solid State Lasers of the Physical Exploration Institute of the Armenian National Academy of Sciences.

Hmayak A. Begluyev

Professional revolutionary and economical employee

Hmayakwas born on April 28, 1884, in the Gargar village. In 1900, he graduated from Kars community college and then went on to work at the Tbilisi Adlikhanovi leather factory. In 1912, he was seriously wounded during a strike. It wasn’t until 1916, however, that he fled to Tbilisi. In 1917, after the February Revolution, he was elected to the Tbilisi Workers’ Council. In 1921, he participated in the consolidation process of Soviet powers in Armenia. From 1922-1929, he worked on economic matters in Leningrad, and from 1929-1942, he did the same in Yerevan. He was awarded the Lenin and “Red Banner of Labor” medalions.

He died in April of 1965 in Yerevan, Armenia.

Karen Y. Chshmarityan

Republic of ArmeniaThe Minister of Economy

Karen was born on September 12, 1959 in Yerevan to a native Gargar family. From 1976-1980 he attended the Institute of National Economy in Yerevan and from 1981-1985 he obtained his PhD from the same school. From 1985-1990, he worked at Armenian State Pedagogical University Petmatum as a senior economist, senior specialist, and sub-head of the finance department.

From 1993-1996, he was the material resource deputy of the Republic of Armenia. From 1996-1997, he was a supervising the Division of External Trade of the Ministry of Trade, Services, and Tourism in the Republic of Armenia.

During 2002-2007, he was the Minister of Trade and Economy of Armenia. In May 2007, he became a member of parliament. In 2005, he was awarded the title of “Honorary Citizen”.

Haik Y. Chshmarityan

Economist

Haik was born on October 6, 1966 in Stepanavan. In 1983 he graduated with the gold medal from Stepanavan’sNumber 1 School, and, in 1987, he graduated from Yerevan’s Institute of National Economy.

From 2002-2005, he was the Deputy Minister of Transport and Communications of Armenia. He was released from his position as Deputy Minister on 7/20/2005.

Yuri A. Chshmarityan

Economist

Yuri was born on April 6, 1935 in Gargar. In 1957 he graduated from Yerevan State University in the department of Economics. During his college years, he was a faculty member of Armenia’s Komsomol Central Committee.

In 1959, he graduated from the USSR Leningrad-Engels Economics Institute, and he received his main qualification in commodity increase.

From 1965-1977 he worked as the deputy manager of the “Hayarsarkavorum” union.

From 1977-1979 he oversaw the social student’s food trust in Yerevan, and then until the collapse of the USSR, worked as a Deputy Director of a manufacturing plant at “Hayarsarkavorum”.

Khoren A. Kalashyan

State Economist

Khoren was born on November 10, 1910 in Gargar. He learned and graduated from Georgia’s Philology department, Communist University, and worked as Gargar’s collective agriculture accountant.

He served in the Great Patriotic War, in which he was wounded and discharged.

He worked as USSR’s Trade Representative in Beirut, United Arab Emirates, Hungary, Romania, and Egypt.

He was awarded a set of “Badge of Honor” order medals. He was a part of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union from 1931 onwards.

He died on November 21, 1973, in Yerevan.

Gurgen G. Balayan

Poet, humorist, journalist, and cartoonist

He was born on May 15, 1950 in the village of Tianeti, Georgia, to a native Gargar family. He received his secondary education in MesropMashdots Number 15 School in Vanadzor. He simultaneously attended an art school. As a musician, he worked at the Palace of Culture.

He graduated from M. Gorky Institute in Moscow with a degree in Literature and Poetry. He worked at the “Polygraph Complex.”

Victor R. Balayan

Writer, journalist

He was born in Stepanavan in 1931. He graduated from Yerevan State University’s Philological department in 1964. He went on to work at “Pioneer Call” newspaper as a literary writer. In 1958, he initially worked at “Avant Garde” newspaper as the head of the department, and then as an executive secretary.

Balayan was the creator of the Soviet-Armenian detective genre which was readily accepted by a large circle of readers.

He was awarded the “Medal of Courage” for his work. In 1975 with Armenia SSR’s greatest Soviet set of diplomas, he was awarded “The Golden Pen” award by the Armenian Journalist’s Union. He died in January 31, 1995 in Yerevan.

Arek S. Demirkhanov

Architect

He was born on June 21, 1932 in Novosibirsk into a Gargar family. Starting in 1964, he worked in Krasnoyarsk where he focused his creative activities and led the architect Demirkhanov’s creative workshop.

His main works are Amursk city's general plan, "Krasnoyarsk" hotel’s construction, and the city’s Peace Square construction.

He is a distinguished architect, and a Corresponding Member of the Russian Academy of Architecture, Arts, and Construction, honorary citizen of Krasnoyarsk, and finally, by the decree of the Russian Federation President V.V. Putin, was granted the title of national honorary architect.

Patvakan L. Kalashyan

Veterinarian

He was born on May 1, 1927, in the Gargar village. In 1953, he was appointed as the chief veterinarian of Kalinino. In 1958, he trained at the Moscow Veterinary Academy.

In 1965, he was appointed as the Deputy of Production to the Director of animal husbandry and veterinary sciences. In 1966, he was head of a collective farm in the Pushkino village near Stepanavan.

Starting in 1968, without taking a break from work, he pursued postgraduate studies and in 1970 received doctorate in veterinary medicine.

He died on December 12, 1980, in Stepanavan.

Hrachya M. Ghaplanyan

Director, Actor, Playwright, and National Artist of U.S.S.R.

He was born in the village of Gargar on November 14, 1923. From 1953-1958, he was the chief director of the Youth Theatre of Yerevan. In 1958, he was appointed the director of G. Sundukyan Theatre. In 1960, he returned to the Youth Theatre as a director and a supervisor. From 1962-65, he was the chief director of the Theatre of Opera and Ballet, named after Alexander Spendiaryan. From 1965, he was the president of the Board of Armenian Theatrical Association. He received the following awards: Honored Artist of U.S.S.R. and Armenia and National Artist of USSR.

He died on August 14, 1988 in Yerevan, and was buried in the Komitas Pantheon.

Today the Dramatic Theatre of Armenia is named after HrachyaGhaplanyan.

Gnuni G. Balayan

Journalist

He was born on June 30, 1950, in the village of Gargar. In 1968 he was admitted to the Department of Journalism of Yerevan State University, and in 1974 he graduated.

During his career, he collaborated with the “University of Yerevan” newspaper, and “The World of Books” journal. He worked for “Yerevan Evening” daily newspaper for 7 years.

He was one of the founders and the chief editor's assistant of the 'Armenian Soldier' newspaper of the Ministry of Defense of RA. He illustrated the Karabakh war through the “Zinuj” program. He is currently working in the Court of Cassation of RA as a PR manager and also as a manager of media of the Union of the Presidents of the Court. He simultaneously works as the chief editor of the “Orinatert” journal of the Union of the Judges..

Hayk S. Chshmarityan

Editor of Regional Newspaper

He was born on January 22, 1912, in the village of Gargar in the region of Stepanavan. He finished elementary school in Gargar, and secondary school in Stepanavan. He studied at the veterinary institute of Stepanavan. After graduation he was appointed as a sub-regional chief agronomist. He studied at Yerevan State University in the faculty of economics. He pursued his PhD at Lomonosov University, and then returned to Stepanavan. Soon the regional bureau of CPA Stepanavan appointed him as the editor of the Regional Newspaper.

In 1939 he went on to serve in the army as a volunteer, in the Finnish War and WW2. He was killed in 1941.

Arshavir S. Muradyan

Museum Figure

He was born on December 2, 1915, in the village of Gargar.

From 1934 to 1936, he worked in the Agarak village near Stepanavan as a teacher and club head. From November of 1941, he served in the army as a middle-level political instructor, then as a platoon commander, then as an assistant to the battalion commander, then finally as a battalion commander.

In April of 1947, he worked at Stepanavan’sStepanShahumyan’s house-museum as a director, and he maintained that position until his life’s end. Thanks to his dedication and hard work, the house-museum was transformed into a beautiful and majestic museum complex.

He died on December 2, 1995. He is buried in the Gargar village.

Arshaluys S. Balayan

Teacher

He was born on May 25, 1917 in Gargar. In 1935, he graduated with a degree in teaching from Gharakilisya and worked as a teacher in a village near Gargar.

From 1941-1943 he was the main principal of a secondary school in Stepanavan’s nearby farm village, and from 1943-1950 he was the principal of Gyulaqarak’s school. From 1950-1954 he worked at the secondary school in Gurtan village.

He also worked at Telman and Tumanyan’s Number 65 School. During the years of the patriotic war of Armenia, he was rewarded for his war efforts.

Hrayr A. Kalashyan

Pedagogue

He was born in 1910, in the village of Gargar. In 1926, he was accepted into the Agricultural Engineering department in Leninakan. After graduating, he taught at the same university as a specialist in the subject. From 1933-1935 he served in the Soviet Army. From 1935-1941 he worked at Leninakan’s secondary school, first as a teacher, then as an administrator and director, and simultaneously continued his studies at Yerevan’s Pedagogical Institute in the department of Philology. He was awarded the “Red Star” on the battlefield with two military orders and 3 medals. From 1946-1947, he was the editor-in-chief of “Banvor” daily newspaper.

He was awarded the honored title of “Honorary Teacher” by the Armenian Soviet Socialist Republic.

He died on May 20, 1987 in Leninakan.

Adolf M. Demirkhanyan

Chess Player

He was born on July 8, 1940 in Yerevan to a native Gargar family. He was accepted into K. Marx Polytechnic Institute in the Department of Electronics and graduated with a degree in Electronic Engineering. From 1972 to 1975 he studied at the Polytechnic Institute for his PhD.

At the age of ten, he developed an interest in chess: the game which later became his second specialty. In 1958, he became Armenia’s youth chess champion. In 1963 and 1966 he became Yerevan’s double champion.

In recent years, Demirkhanyan teaches at Yerevan’s Engineering University and under the direction of the Ministry of Sports, he teaches at the chess school. In this area, he has reached considerable success and prepares Armenia’s young champions and winners.

Vanya R. Balayan

Political and Economic Figure

He was born in Gargaron November 10, 1930. In 1949, after graduating from the secondary school, he was accepted into Yerevan’s Institute of Agriculture. From 1958-1967, he worked in the region of Kalinino as an agricultural inspector. From 1975-1986, he worked as the First Secretary of the Regional Committee of Stepanavan’s CPA. Due to his willful efforts, the main plan of the city of Stepanavan was designed and the reconstruction project of the main bridge was initiated, marking the accomplishment of a central purpose of his life.

He died on December 15, 1996 in Stepanavan. Young Stepanavantsis have erected a monument on the left bank of the bridge in honor of him.

Yuri H. Chshmarityan

Political, state figure

He was born on January 21, 1940, in the Gargar village.

In 1989, he was elected as the deputy to the last Supreme Council of Soviet Armenia, and in 1990, to the People’s Parliament of Armenian Republic’s first Supreme Council. His organizational capabilities were maximally displayed during the 1988 Spitak earthquake’s rescue and recovery operations.

In 1996, he founded the "Lore" University, which he directed until his life's end.

He was awarded several Soviet honorary awards and the Nansen Gold Medal.

He died on December 2, 2006.

Tatevik H. Ghaplanyan

Actress

Tatevikwas born in Yerevan on June 19, 1953 to artist HrachyaGhaplanyan and Armenian actress Emma Vardanian. From 1960-70, she studied at Kh. Abovyan High School. From 1971-75, she studied at the Yerevan Fine Arts Institute, in the Department of Acting. Starting in 1970, she worked at the HrachyaGhaplanyan Theater. In 1981, she was awarded the honorable title of Distinguished Actress within the Armenian SSR. In 1993, she moved to Los Angeles, USA, where she continues to pursue her acting profession.

Sashur H. Kalashyan

Architect

Sashurwas born in Gyumri in 1936. In 1953, he graduated from Gyumri’s No. 14 High School and 4-year art school, and was admitted to the Architecture Department within Yerevan’s Polytechnic Institute. In 1959, he then went on to work in Gyumri’s Planning Bureau. From 1961-76, he worked at the “Armstateproject” Institute. Since 1994, he has been working in Yerevan’s “Armproject” company.

From his most significant and noted works are the Genocide Memorial in Yerevan, and also Gyumri’s “Kumayri” public historical and architectural museum foundation, which was awarded a state prize.

Arshak G. Zalinyan

Political and state figure

Arshak was born in Gargar on November 14, 1923. A war and labor veteran, he was a member of the CPSU since 1944. He is a graduate of the Communist Party Central Committee’s school, the Law School of the Yerevan State University, and was a lieutenant colonel in the 1941-45 Great Patriotic War. Starting in 1947, he got involved in politics, becoming the customs and accounting sector head for the Kirovakan district. After graduating from the political school, he became an instructor for the Communist Party Central Committee's Special Division, and a customs and accounting sector employee for the Communist Party’s Central Committee. He was awarded the Red Flag of the Patriotic War’s First-Degree “Badge of Honor” with awards and 13 medals. He has been awarded the Armenian SSR “Supreme Soviet Presidium” 3 times for his lengthy and active work within the political workings. He died on December 5, 1999, in Yerevan, Armenia.

George G. Zalinyan

State employee

George was born in Gargar on November 25, 1917. He was a CPSU, a war and labor veteran and a graduate of the Department of Economics of Yerevan State University. He later became an inspector for the financial department of Yerevan’s village-bank. After leaving the bank, he became the head of the financial department of “Haygyughbank,” deputy manager of the bank, bank manager, Director of the Armenia Chamber of Commerce, and finally the director of “Haykurortari.”

He earned many awards including the “Red Star” of the Patriotic War’s First-Degree, 10 medals, and numerous certificates.

He died on December 28, 1985, and is buried in the Gargar village of Armenia.

Varsham G. Zalinyan

Soviet state and party worker

Varshamwas born in Gargar on November 20, 1920. He was a war and labor veteran, a senior judicial advisor, and a member of the CPSU. He took part in the Great Patriotic War. After being discharged from the army in 1946, he became the secretary of the Vanadzor tractor plant. He was a writer for the Vanadzor “Political” paper, the head of the “Lightning” paper, and the head of the Vanadzor bread factory.

After retiring, he became deputy to the head of housing and development for Vanadzor. He was awarded the “Red Flag,” “Red Star” of the Patriotic War’s First-Degree and 12 Soviet and Polish medals.

He died on July 29, 1992, in Vanadzor.

Jenia T. Chshmarityan

Linguist

Jeniawas born in Gargar on May 20, 1928. In 1945, she graduated with the gold medal from Gyulagarak School. Six years later, in 1951, she finished her study at Yerevan State university with a major in Linguistics and then went on to complete her PHD degree in 1956. In 1963, she defended the thesis and then became a senior lecturer in the faculty of Armenian language. She is an author of a number of books including “Gerund in modern Armenian”, an autobiography, and a list of works regarding modern Armenian grammar. She is also a co-author of “The Armenian dialect practical manual.”

After living a very full life, Jenia died on May 9, 1986 and is now buried in Gargar.

Julieta H. Chshmarityan

Chemist

Julieta was born in Gargar on November 20, 1937. After graduating from Yerevan State University with a major in chemistry, she went on to work as a chemistry lab technician, a senior lab technician, and, eventually, a junior researcher. Julieta H. Chshmarityanhas been in the Physical and Colloid Chemistry department of YSU since 1970 and now she has a PHD degree.

Samvel S. Chshmarityan

Psychologist

SamvelS. Chshmarityan was born in Yerevan on December 10, 1952 to Gargar resident SerjeiChshmarityan. He graduated from the department of English language of Russian and Foreign linguistic university. After a hard life working as a television reporter in the Soviet Union, he eventually received a PhD and then worked in the Academy of Science institute of Philosophy and Law as a senior researcher and scientific secretary. He has published more than 70 scientific articles, 3 books, 1 textbook, and 1 supplementary educational material. Samvel S. Chshmarityan participated in a number of national and international conferences and he is a member of more than 10 international scientific organizations, including the very prestigious American Association of the Physiologists and the New York academy.

Nune G. Asatryan

Nune G. Asatryan was born to JulietaChshmarityan on October 4th,1962. In 1986 she graduated from Yerevan State Medical University’s department of nursing and then became a doctor. Then, In 1988 she joined the institute of physician medicine of Armenia as a junior researcher. Since 1993, she has worked as a neurologist. Since 1997, she has been lecturing at YSMU and working as a correspondent member on the editorial board of the Academy of Human Problems.